Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Since we have launched our new "Trash the Dress" sessions in January we have received a huge response from our brides. The unconventional pictures that result from a little extra time in your dress are priceless and like none other. Julie was such a good sport...and graciously agreed to every idea we (and her new husband) saw as a photo-op. Besides being beautiful, Julie's love for Brandon radiated through her sweet smile. Here are a few of our favorites from her Trash the Dress Session.

The following is NOT one of our images...but I think it adequately portrays how some brides feel when they find out their photographer is not living up to the promised standards.

With the economic slow down, it is natural for brides and grooms to tighten up their budget a little bit. However, going with the cheapest photographer may not be the best alternative. Recently, we have been presented with a few obstacles that some of our couples friends and families have encountered. Naturally, they want to ensure that will not happen to them as well. After listening to their stories, and then researching a little on the web, we have found several other instances where couples were unhappy with there photographer. Here are the top four nightmares that we have come across, and what Nick Corona Photography does to AVOID these situations.

4. Photographer took to long in producing the albums or package element.

We have heard horror stories about people waiting over a year to get their albums!! Nick personally designs all of the albums, and we work our hardest to get the preliminary (first) design completed within 8 weeks of the wedding. Once our couples have viewed the album, they can make as many changes to it as they want (i.e. switching pictures, color options, text, etc). Once we get the final approval from the bride and groom, it takes 6-8 weeks to get the album printed and leather bound. We have had couples receive their album within 3 months after their wedding because they were quick at getting their changes back to us. We have other couples that have taken their time with the changes, making sure it is exactly as they want it. In any case, once we receive final approval, your album should be received within 10 weeks (I added in mailing transit time).

3. Photographer simply does not show up.

This is a crazy story have to hear! In fact, a couple of our brides have hired us to do the "re-shoot" of a mock wedding because their photographer did not show up. Sounds unimaginable, I know! With Nick Corona Photography, you do not have to worry about us not showing up! Other than life-threatening situations, a photographer with Nick Corona Photography WILL be there. Let me explain a little further. Nick and I are the main photographers. There are several associate photographers that we work with. If one of us are unable to make it, an associate photographer would go in our place, with us. If neither of us could make it (this would only be because of the life-threatening situations I mentioned before), then two of our associate photographers would be there to cover the wedding. We have never had that happen, and I will not even say "Knock on wood!" because I am confident that would never happen.

2. Photographer misses shots due to lack of coverage.

We have heard of this only a couple of times. The usual situation is something like this: The photographer is in the bathroom during the cake cutting. Or steps out to take a drink of water and the bride and groom share an intimate moment. Here at Nick Corona Photography we believe that providing adequate coverage is the responsibility of the photographer. All of our "all-inclusive" packages include two photographers. Also, we will ask how many anticipated guests are at the wedding. If there are more than 200 anticipated guests, we will bring a third photographer for no additional cost to you. Ample coverage lies on us...not on you.

1. Photographer takes too long in returning the pictures.

This is the most common worry that we have heard from our brides. Statistics show that every person knows at least 6 people that get married every year. That is six times a year that you have the potential of hearing about how long people are waiting to get their wedding pictures back. The longest we have heard is 9 months. That is...nine months to even SEE their wedding pictures. Let me tell you something. Nick and I pride ourselves on having your pictures done within 2 weeks of your wedding date. Our goal is to have them done by the time you return from your honeymoon. Most of the time we meet that goal. Sometimes it takes us 10 days...I can only think of 2 times that it has taken us the entire two weeks to get the images posted online for our brides to see.

All in all, Nick and I make it our personal goal to make your wedding day go as smoothly as possible as far as your pictures go. We want your pictures to reflect the time and energy you spent planning your day...as well as every smile while you are enjoying it! There are a couple places you can go to make sure that the photographer you are considering has not had any bad reviews. One is Complaint Board. Another way to check is to type the photographers name into Google with the words "reviews" or "complaints" after it. Bridal Tips has a great article published on How to Choose a Photographer. There are many great articles published with advice on how to pick a wedding photographer, including questions to ask your photograper. Most likely, if you go through these questions with your photographer, you will be able to avoid the above nightmare scenarios.

Also, Nick and I would love to discuss your concerns at any time. Just give us a call, or schedule a consultation so we can sit down face to face and talk about them. We will go over any concerns you have, and do our best to talk you through them. I am confident we will eliminate any and all concerns you have!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

You probably saw Julie and Brandon's engagement pictures, so you know the story of how Brandon purposed. If you didn't, click here to see them! Julie and Brandon shared an intimate ceremony at the Temple in San Diego, then came back to Corona for an incredible reception! Our Romeo and Juliet's Love Story certainly did not end when the song did... their eye locking smiles lasted from morning til dusk. Here is a sneak peak at their wedding pictures. Stay tuned for Julie's Trash the Dress session!!

Monday, March 16, 2009

You may have seen Mandy and Derek's engagement pictures taken at an urban, run-down abandoned train yard. Contrary to their engagements, their wedding day was is an exquisite setting, surrounded by friends and family. They said "I Do!" at the Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City. Mandy and Derek met at an accident scene and instantly connected. The fire department has many occasions that they encourage ice cream to be brought to the station. One of them is for visitors. Of course, it is not mandatory... but Mandy, also being from a public service department, knew of the unspoken rule. So, she brought ice cream over to the station when she came to meet Derek one day... the rest is history. Talk about a perfectly matched couple!!

In 2007 Sara and Jim Steik were married. A few short months later they found out they were expecting and baby Noah was due in February of 2009. In December of 2008 Sara went into labor and gave birth to baby Noah prematurely. You can read her whole story on her March of Dimes page. Sara is getting involved and supporting other moms just like her! How is she doing it? She is walking in the March of Dimes walk in April. Nick and I would like to participate, but we have a wedding that day. Since we could not walk, we decided that we would like to match her donations. We are so incredibly thankful that Kara was born full term, and healthy. She is a miracle in our lives every day. We are inspired by Sara and Jim's story, and would like to support them in every way we can. If you are looking for a way to get involved, please donate to Sara's walk. Every dollar that is donated by April 21st will be matched by Nick Corona Photography.

Baby Noah is home now, and is doing well. We are thrilled to hear how well he is progressing. Please keep Sara and Jim and their new family in your prayers and if you are looking for a way to get involved...help us support Sara in her walk!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Nick is currently enrolled in the Fire Academy at Crafton Hills. Crafton Hills is a Junior College/Trade School that has a prestigious Fire Science program. The finally of the Fire Science program is their Fire Academy. Once you have completed the fire academy, and your hours with a fire department, you will receive your "Firefighter I" Certificate. Even though the training is rigorous, the PT can be trecherous and the lectures hours long, the Crafton Hills Fire Academy has continuously attracted enough participants to need a selection process!! Between pitch black obstacle courses; hose and ladder evolutions, races between squads, and lint-picking inspections (literally) the camaraderie and brotherhood established will last a lifetime. This spring academy is Academy 70. The band of brothers that make up Academy 70 are the most fun cadets...Nick is having a blast! See if you can spot him in any of the pictures.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

We have all heard the ol' saying "Opposites Attract". Derek and Mandy prove it! Derek is a firefighter...and we'll give you one guess at what Mandy does. That's right! She's a police officer. The ultimate competition! Mandy and Derek treasure the intense love that is shared between them, and the spark from the competition fuels the fire. Don't worry... Derek knows this is one fire NOT to extinguish!